Foreign Exchange Derivative Products
FX Asian Option
An FX Asian option or Asian currency option is a special type of option contract where the payoff depends on the average of the underlying exchange rates over a certain period of time. The payoff is different from the case of a European option or American option, where the payoff of the option contract depends on the underlying FX rate at exercise date.
Asian FX options allow the buyer to purchase or sell the underlying foreign exchange rate at the average rate instead of the spot rate. Asian options are commonly seen options over the OTC markets. Average rate options are less expensive than regular options and are arguably more appropriate than regular options for meeting some of investment needs. Average can be calculated in a number of ways (daily, weekly, monthly, etc.).
FX Forward
A currency forward or FX forward contract is an agreement that allows the buyer to lock in an exchange rate the day on which the agreement is signed for a transaction that will be completed later. Forward contracts are one of the main methods used to hedge against exchange rate volatility, as they avoid the impact of currency fluctuation over the period covered by the contract.
A currency forward or FX forward is a contract agreement between two parties to exchange a certain amount of a currency for another currency at a fixed exchange rate on a fixed future date. Currency forwards are effective hedging vehicles that allow buyers to indicate the exact amount to be exchanged and the date on which to settle in the forward contract.
FX Futures
A currency future, also known as an FX future , is a future contract to exchange one currency for another at a specified date in the future at an exchange rate that is fixed on the purchase date. By using a currency future contract, the parties are able to effectively lock-in the exchange rate for a future transaction. Speculation and hedging in currencies can be achieved primarily through future contracts.
A currency future or an FX future is a future contract between two parties to exchange one currency for another at a fixed exchange rate on a fixed future date. Currency futures are one of the main methods used to hedge against exchange rate volatility, as they avoid the impact of currency fluctuation over the period covered by the contract.
FX Option
A currency option or FX option is a contract that gives the buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a certain currency at a specified exchange rate on or before a specified date. Currency options are one of the most common ways for corporations, individuals or financial institutions to hedge against adverse movements in exchange rates.
A currency option, also known as FX Option, is a derivative contract that grants the buyer the right but not the obligation to exchange money denominated in one currency into another currency at a pre-agreed exchange rate on a specified future date. The FX options market is the deepest, largest and most liquid market for options of any kind. Most FX derivatives trading is over the counter (OTC) and is lightly regulated.
FX Swap
A foreign exchange swap or currency swap is a contract under which two parties agree to exchange two currencies at a set rate and then to re-exchange those currencies at an agreed upon rate at a fixed date in the future. Therefore, an FX swap consists of two transactions: a spot transaction and a forward transaction.
An FX swap or currency swap agreement is a contract in which both parties agree to exchange one currency for another currency at a spot FX rate. The agreement also stipulates to re-exchange the same amounts at a certain future date also at a forward FX rate. Many people confuse currency swaps with cross currency swaps. They are totally different. A cross currency swap is an interest rate swap in which two parties to exchange interest payments and principal on loans denominated in two different currencies.
FX Touch Option
A touch option is a transaction with one or two barriers. The buyer of the option will get a cash amount either if the barrier is touch or not touched. Touch options are becoming increasingly popular because they pay much higher yields compared to high/low options.
A touch option is the sort of option that promises a payout once the price of an underlying asset reaches or passes a predetermined level. Touch options allow investors to choose the target price, time to expiration, and the premium to be received when the target price is reached.